Smartphone Apps

As smartphones increasingly become cemented into our daily lives, more apps are created to help companies get work done. For every industry, there are probably at least a dozen or more apps that you can use to accomplish any number of important tasks. And then there are the apps that work across multiple industries.

But how do you know if an app is right for you and your needs? You don’t, at least not testing the app.

However, in lieu of that, we thought we’d share some of the top apps used by TechQuility’s principal, Chris Barber. While some of these apps are strictly tech troubleshooting tools, some of the apps listed are great tools regardless of your industry. Maybe there’s an app in here that is a great tool for your business too.

Barcode Scanner: This app was created to scan bar codes to research prices and reviews, scan QR codes and more. Great for when you’re out shopping, just scan an items barcode, and then access price information and reviews to make sure you’re getting a good deal. This app is available for free.

IP Info: This app allows you to view your IP address and other network information straight from your phone. It also allows you to cut information and paste it into other applications such as email, or your remote desktop session to your secure server. This app is free.

Remote RDP: This app allows you to access computers remotely using Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) so that you can connect to your computer remotely, via your Android phone. One of the great features about this app is that it supports a Full PC keyboard and mouse setup, making it even easier to access items remotely. This app is not free, but is worth the price.

Smart Tools: An all-inclusive measuring app, Smart Tools features 15 measuring tools in one. This is a great app for

any sort of building / home improvement / site setup project. While the app isn’t free, it’s relatively cheap, and worth the price.

Speedtest.net: This is a phone app version of the classic speedtest.net website, an internet speed testing website. Instead of running to the computer, you can quickly test your internet connection speeds straight from the phone. This can be helpful if

Square Register: Square is an app that allows you to accept credit card payments directly from your smartphone. You do need the app and the Square card reader to use the service, but both are provided for free from Square.

TouchDown: A robust email management app, Touchdown allows you to sync emails, contacts, calendar items, and tasks from Outlook to your Android phone, so that you can keep up with your schedule and emails, even when you’re on the go. While not free, TouchDown does offer a 30 day trial; however we’ve found the app is well worth the price. Requires Android 2.x or higher.

Make your smart phone work for you, and save you time and money with these 6 fantastic free smartphone apps, guaranteed to streamline your business and your life. These apps will save you money and time, and will allow you to track and manage your life better, freeing you up to focus on more important things.

1. Dropbox is a cloud-storage service which gives you a place in the clouds to save your files. Think of it as a jump-drive you never have to carry. Store photos, documents, presentations, videos, etc. in your dropbox, and then access them where ever you have internet access. You can even stream videos from your dropbox.

2. Wunderlist Task Manager is a productivity app that organizes all your various to-do lists. With apps for your smartphone and web browser, it’s easy to stay on top of all the things you have to do. You can also email your list to colleagues, family, or friends, to share and collaborate on projects.

3. Evernote is a cloud-based capturing system allowing you to sync virtually anything (photos, voice recordings, videos, etc.) and save it, so that you can access it later for processing. Evernote also OCR’s images, so that everything stored in the app is searchable, even your own handwriting.

4. TripIt is a travel-management app that helps organize your reservations, itineraries, and more. Forward your travel confirmation emails to an address provided by TripIt, and it will gather the information and organize it all in one place. You can even share your trips with others.

5. Read It Later is a cloud-bookmarking service that allows you to organize your webpage bookmarks, so that you can read them at a later point in time, from any device. Integrates with your phone and browser.

6. TextPlus is a group texting program which allows you to communicate with up to 20 people at the same time. A great tool for office and team communication.